In today’s 5-minute Father Friend episode, a part of the Summer Vibes Series, we unpack one of the most overlooked challenges in parenting: entitlement. It’s something kids are born with—and it’s something we unintentionally train into them. From overpraising to solving every problem, well-meaning dads can feed entitlement without even realizing it. In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers shares five parenting patterns to avoid—and what to do instead—to raise grounded, grateful, and resilient kids in a world that says they’re owed everything.

The Summer Vibes Series— 5-minute Episodes to Grow as a Dad.

In today’s image-obsessed culture, girls are bombarded with pressure to define their worth by likes, filters, and appearance. This episode challenges that narrative and equips dads with a better one. Discover how to affirm your daughter in ways that build lasting confidence, character, and faith. You’ll learn why a father’s voice is so powerful, how to shift her focus from surface to substance, and why inner beauty must be celebrated over external perfection. Let’s raise daughters who know they’re worth more than the world tells them.

Part of the Summer Vibes Series— 5 Minute Episodes to Grow Your Fatherhood! What is a Father Friend—and why should every dad make it his goal? In this episode, we unpack the concept behind the Father Friend model: a vision for fatherhood that balances strength and tenderness, discipline and presence, authority and affection. Too many dads think they must choose between being respected or being close to their kids—but the truth is, great fathering does both. You don’t have to choose between being your child’s father or their friend. You’re called to be both—and we’ll show you how. Discover the mindset, model, and maturity required to lead your children with love and purpose through every stage of their development.

As fireworks light the sky and grills fire up this July 4th, let’s talk about more than celebration—let’s talk about legacy. In this special Independence Day episode of Father Friend, Dr. Mike Ayers explores what it means to raise kids who value freedom, sacrifice, and national pride in a culture that’s rapidly letting those values go. Learn practical ways to teach your children about the meaning of Independence Day, the power of sacrifice, and why we stand for the flag. This episode will help you lead your family with truth, gratitude, and intentionality—while still having fun along the way.

More in the Summer Vibes Series... 5 Minute Episodes to Help You Grow As a Dad. Ever blown up at your kids and instantly regretted it? You’re not alone. In this honest episode, I share a few moments I’m not proud of—and the hard-won lessons I’ve learned about losing my cool as a dad. We’ll talk about what to do after the outburst: how to calm down, own your mistakes, reassure your kids, and take inventory of what’s really going on beneath the surface. I’ll also share a practical “tap in, tap out” strategy you can use with your spouse, and how to prepare for the next time anger flares up. This episode isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, humility, and healing. Let’s grow together.

This is a 5-minute episode in our special Summer Vibes series running for the next 5 weeks. In “Reproducing Ourselves: The Power of Dad’s Example” we explore how your everyday choices shape your child’s future. Long before your kids repeat your words, they’ll mirror your life. What you model, they’ll multiply. This short episode challenges you to lead with intentionality, knowing your example is your loudest voice.

The Fathering Years are Crazy; Embrace the Crazy is a heartfelt, humorous podcast for dads navigating the wild ride of fatherhood. Hosted by Dr. Mike Ayers, a dad of three now-grown kids, this special Father’s Day episode dives into the chaos of raising children—from toddler tantrums to teen eye-rolls and twenty-something life advice calls. With warmth and wit, it explores the trifecta of stressors: career demands, financial pressures, and parenting challenges, while celebrating the joy, love, and growth these years bring.

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the delicate balance between pushing kids to thrive and pushing too hard in sports, academics, and beyond. Through personal stories, we unpack how parental pressure can stem from our own need for validation, not just our kids’ potential. Backed by research, including a 2021 study showing 25% of kids face anxiety or depression, we discuss how to foster perseverance without compulsion. With practical tips and diagnostic questions, this episode helps parents encourage their kids’ dreams while ensuring joy and well-being remain at the heart of their journey.